Immerse yourself in the profound and moving choral works of Ralph Vaughan Williams with the album "Vaughan Williams: Mass in G Minor." Released on May 18, 2018, by Signum Records, this collection showcases the composer's mastery of liturgical music, particularly his Mass in G Minor, completed in 1921 and dedicated to his close friend Gustav Holst and the Whitsuntide Singers. The album features the Choir of St John's College, Cambridge, delivering a performance marked by clean lines, rounded tones, and a near-perfect balance of voices.
The album spans a rich tapestry of compositions, including the five movements of the Mass in G Minor, as well as other significant works such as "Te Deum in G Major," "O vos omnes," and "5 Mystical Songs." These pieces, many of which were composed in the years following World War I, reflect Vaughan Williams' deep spiritual contemplation and artistic evolution. The album also includes lesser-known gems like "3 Preludes on Welsh Hill Tunes: II. Rhosymedre" and "Prayer to the Father of Heaven," offering a comprehensive exploration of the composer's choral repertoire.
With a total duration of 1 hour and 7 minutes, this album is a testament to Vaughan Williams' enduring influence on classical music. Whether you are a longtime admirer of choral music or a newcomer to the genre, this recording promises a deeply rewarding listening experience, highlighting the timeless beauty and emotional depth of Vaughan Williams' compositions.
(C) 2018 Signum Records
Tracks
Mass in G Minor: KyrieRalph Vaughan Williams, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, George Balfour, Peter Lidbetter, Michael Bell, Andrew Nethsingha
Mass in G Minor: Gloria in excelsisRalph Vaughan Williams, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Daniel Brown, James Adams, Michael Bell, William Ashford, Andrew Nethsingha
Mass in G Minor: CredoRalph Vaughan Williams, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Hugh Cutting, Peter Lidbetter, William Ashford, Michael Bell, Gopal Kambo, Andrew Nethsingha
Mass in G Minor: Sanctus – Osanna I – Benedictus – Osanna IIRalph Vaughan Williams, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Matthew Brown, Hugh Cutting, Oliver Morris, James Beddoe, Andrew Nethsingha
Mass in G Minor: Agnus DeiRalph Vaughan Williams, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, George Balfour, Jack Hawkins, Gopal Kambo, William Ashford, Alfred Harrison, Andrew Nethsingha
Te Deum in G MajorRalph Vaughan Williams, Joseph Wicks, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha
O vos omnesRalph Vaughan Williams, Hugh Cutting, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha
5 Mystical Songs: V. AntiphonRalph Vaughan Williams, Joseph Wicks, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha
3 Preludes on Welsh Hill Tunes: II. RhosymedreRalph Vaughan Williams, Joseph Wicks, Andrew Nethsingha
O Taste and SeeRalph Vaughan Williams, Alfred Harrison, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha
Prayer to the Father of HeavenRalph Vaughan Williams, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha
O, Clap Your HandsRalph Vaughan Williams, Joseph Wicks, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha
Lord, Thou Hast Been our RefugeRalph Vaughan Williams, Joseph Wicks, Daniel Brown, Gopal Kambo, James Adams, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Andrew Nethsingha